Board of Directors

The Board of Directors of the Muscles Unlimited Legacy Foundation is made up of volunteers with diverse professional backgrounds, cultures, and lived experiences. Members bring perspectives shaped by public service, education, finance, healthcare, mental health, veterans’ advocacy, community engagement, parenting, youth development, and martial arts instruction.

The Board provides governance, fiduciary oversight, strategic direction, and organizational leadership. Its diversity strengthens decision making, encourages inclusive leadership, and helps ensure that the foundation’s programs remain equitable, welcoming, and accessible to immigrant and underserved youth, families, and veterans throughout East Boston, Revere, and surrounding communities.

Advisory Board

The Advisory Board supports the Muscles Unlimited Legacy Foundation by providing guidance, professional expertise, community insight, and recommendations to the Board of Directors and organizational leadership.

Advisory Board members help strengthen programs, identify community needs, build partnerships, support outreach efforts, and provide specialized knowledge in areas such as education, mental health, veterans’ welfare, cultural engagement, youth development, and martial arts.

The Advisory Board does not hold fiduciary or governing authority. Its members serve in a consultative role, helping the foundation make informed decisions and ensuring that its programs remain responsive to the needs of the students, families, veterans, and communities it serves.

President Tony DiPrizio

Anthony “Tony” DiPrizio is a public servant, nonprofit leader, and martial arts instructor with more than 18 years of experience with the City of Boston Department of Public Works. As President and Executive Director of the Muscles Unlimited Legacy Foundation, he leads program development, organizational operations, community partnerships, and the foundation’s long-term growth.

Tony previously served on the Executive Board of Boston Public Workers Union Local 445 and as a Constable for the City of Melrose. He also served as President of New England Steel Fighting, where he managed operations, safety standards, team development, and events across multiple states.

Tony has years of experience teaching youth judo at Pedro’s Judo Center, where he trained under Olympian Jimmy Pedro. He continues to teach at Pedro’s while also leading instruction and mentorship through the Muscles Unlimited Legacy Foundation. He is committed to providing safe, welcoming, and affordable martial arts programs that help young people develop confidence, discipline, responsibility, and leadership skills.

Tony applies his experience in public service, organizational leadership, and youth instruction to strengthen the foundation’s programs, maintain responsible oversight, and expand access to high-quality martial arts opportunities for children and families throughout the community.

Vice President Levi DiFranza

Levi DiFranza is a public servant and military leader with over 23 years of experience in strategic planning, operational leadership, and team development. As Vice President of the Muscles Unlimited Legacy Foundation, he supports organizational governance, program execution, and long-term sustainability.

Levi serves as the Lead Marksmanship Instructor for the Massachusetts Army National Guard’s Small Arms Readiness Training Section, overseeing statewide training programs. He previously served 19 years as an Infantryman and Intelligence Analyst, leading operations and risk assessments in high-threat environments including Iraq, Afghanistan, and Egypt.

In civilian service, Levi has worked for over 16 years as a municipal patrolman and firearms instructor and also serves as a defense industry consultant. He applies this experience to strengthen internal systems, support program growth, and ensure the foundation’s youth programs remain effective and accountable.

Director Chuck Vallas

Director Chuck Vallas is an Army veteran and public servant who brings extensive leadership, coaching, and athletic experience to the Muscles Unlimited Legacy Foundation. Chuck has served his community through his work with Andover Public Works and has built a strong reputation for reliability, teamwork, and service.

In addition to his public service background, Chuck has worked as a semi-professional football coach and is an experienced Armored Combat Fighter. His experience leading athletes, developing training programs, and promoting safety, discipline, and accountability provides valuable insight into youth development and community-based programming.

His combined background in military service, athletics, coaching, and organizational leadership supports the foundation’s mission of building stronger individuals, stronger families, and stronger communities through martial arts. As a member of the Board of Directors, Chuck helps guide the organization’s long-term growth while upholding its commitment to integrity, safety, and community impact.

Secretary Hailey Darling

Hailey Darling serves as Secretary of the Muscles Unlimited Legacy Foundation and is a member of its leadership team. In this role, she helps maintain organizational records, supports board governance, assists with administrative operations, and helps ensure the foundation remains organized and accountable in carrying out its mission.

Hailey is a college student, environmental advocate, and devoted mother whose commitment to service and community engagement reflects the foundation’s core values. Her passion for conservation, sustainability, and youth development, combined with her firsthand understanding of the challenges facing modern families, provides valuable perspective to the organization’s leadership.

Her attention to detail, commitment to service, and dedication to the foundation’s goals help support effective governance and the long-term success of the organization’s programs and community initiatives.

Treasurer Benjamin Noboa, FRM

Benjamin “Ben” Noboa serves as Treasurer, Board Member, and Judo Instructor for the Muscles Unlimited Legacy Foundation. He brings more than 20 years of experience in financial services, investment operations, risk management, organizational leadership, and customer service to the foundation.

Ben currently serves as Assistant Vice President and Head of Alternative Investments Operations Excellence and Customer Success at John Hancock. In this leadership role, he helps guide major investment operations, improve organizational processes, support digital transformation, and build stronger experiences for clients and internal teams. He holds the respected Financial Risk Manager designation and studied at the Whitman School of Management at Syracuse University.

As Treasurer, Ben provides essential financial leadership and oversight for the foundation. He works closely with the Board of Directors to guide budgeting, financial planning, internal controls, risk management, and the responsible use of donations and grant funding. His experience helps ensure that the foundation remains transparent, accountable, and financially prepared for long term growth.

Originally from the Dominican Republic and fluent in Spanish, Ben also serves as a Judo instructor and mentor. His ability to communicate directly with Spanish speaking students and families helps make our programs more welcoming and accessible to the immigrant communities we serve. On the mat, he brings patience, discipline, and encouragement to students of all ages while helping them develop confidence, resilience, and respect.

Ben’s combination of financial expertise, professional leadership, cultural understanding, and commitment to Judo makes him an essential part of the Muscles Unlimited Legacy Foundation. His service strengthens both the organization behind the scenes and the students and families we serve every day.

Advisory Board Max Tassinari, MBA

Max Tassinari is a public servant, financial leader, and dedicated community advocate who brings more than 17 years of experience in finance, accounting, budgeting, fundraising, and organizational leadership to the Muscles Unlimited Legacy Foundation Advisory Board.

Max currently serves as Director of Revenue and Debt Management for the Massachusetts Department of Transportation. He previously served as Chief Financial Officer for the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation and the Department of Energy Resources. He also serves as an At Large Town Councilor for the Town of Winthrop, where he provides leadership in financial planning, economic development, and capital improvement.

Max earned both his Master of Business Administration and Bachelor of Science in Corporate Finance and Accounting from Bentley University. His extensive experience in public finance, strategic planning, nonprofit development, and government service provides valuable guidance as the foundation continues to grow and serve more families.

Outside of his professional and public service responsibilities, Max practices Judo alongside his young son. Their shared experience on the mat gives him a personal understanding of how Judo can strengthen the bond between parents and children while teaching confidence, discipline, perseverance, and respect.

Max’s commitment to family, public service, responsible leadership, and community development makes him a valuable addition to our Advisory Board.

Advisory Board Rabail Butt, MD

Dr. Rabail Butt is a Pakistani immigrant, researcher, physician, and dedicated judoka who brings compassion, discipline, and a global perspective to the mat. She serves on the Muscles Unlimited Legacy Foundation Advisory Board, where she provides guidance on youth development, family support, mental health, and community well-being.

Trained in mental health and grounded in the values of hard work and service, Dr. Butt embodies the balance of mind, body, and character that Judo teaches. Her lived experience as the mother of an autistic child deepens her commitment to creating supportive and inclusive opportunities for children and families.

As both a physician and martial artist, Dr. Butt believes strongly in using movement, discipline, and mentorship to promote lifelong health, confidence, and resilience. Her journey reflects perseverance, cultural pride, and a passion for giving back, making her a powerful role model for our students and families.

Advisory Board Leo Green

Leo Green is a U.S. Army veteran, a strong advocate for veterans’ welfare, and a lifelong student of martial arts. He serves on the Muscles Unlimited Legacy Foundation Advisory Board, where he brings valuable insight into veterans’ support, family advocacy, and the positive role martial arts can play in strengthening individuals and communities.

His martial arts training includes Shaolin Kenpo, Judo, and, currently, Uechi-Ryu Karate. Through his military service and martial arts journey, Leo has developed a deep appreciation for discipline, resilience, personal growth, and the importance of belonging to a supportive community.

As the father of two autistic children, Leo understands the positive impact martial arts can have on confidence, focus, physical well-being, and emotional development. He believes martial arts can provide veterans and children alike with structure, purpose, encouragement, and a safe place to grow. His dedication to service, family, and martial arts makes him a valued advocate for veterans, students, and families.

Senseis Ben with Boston Mayor Michelle Wu and Sensei Tony.

Sensei Hailey with the Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts Kim Driscoll

Senseis Ben, Hailey, and Tony alongside their student Raphael and State Representative Adrian Madaro, building strong kids and a stronger community.

Soap Am, Sensei Hailey, State Senator Lydia Edwards, Sensei Tony, and Frankie P.

Sensei Tony with Councilor Gabriela “Gigi” Coletta Zapata and her wonderful family.

Two Locations. One Mission.

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